For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 6:23)

GOD GIVES US CHOICES IN LIFE. There are stop signs and stop lights in our traffic world. When we obey the law, we stop at the sign or light and proceed when it is our turn. If we choose not to obey the traffic signs, we risk hitting other vehicles or pedestrians. This can cause injury and even death to ourselves and others. We have the free choice, but there are consequences for disobeying the laws. Laws may feel confining, but in the big picture of life, they are freeing.

God urges us to make wise choices in our physical lives as well as in our spiritual lives. Choosing to sin can give us short-term pleasure and freedom but long-term spiritual death—eternal separation from God. Oh, the joy of listening to God and enjoying eternal life with Jesus in heaven! We will all die, but where we spend eternity is a choice we can make in this life.

In the Old Testament, Joshua challenged the children of Israel to choose for themselves whom they would serve. In Joshua 24:15, Joshua made the choice for his household, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” God still gives this same choice to people. Choose as Israel did.

Make the choice to spend eternity with Jesus!

Karen Doolaard lives in Michigan with her husband, John, where they attend Central Wesleyan Church. She is involved in the Prayer Shawl Ministry.

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